Soweto represented twice again in Miss SA
For the next few weeks, they will be out to impress this year's semi-finalist judges.
The Miss SA Top 35 finalists have finally been announced and we are proud to announce that this year, Gauteng has 13 contenders in the Top 35 and just like last year, Soweto is represented twice in the pageant.
The 21-year-old model and second year degree in psychology, University of Johannesburg student, Karabo Legodi from Protea North and the 27-year-old teacher and Diploma in personal training, Trifocus Fitness Academy student, Busisiwe Mmotla are set to represent Soweto in Miss SA this year. Let’s get to know them a bit.
Asked why she was interested in becoming the next Miss SA and what she will be able to bring to the role Legodi said she would like to use the platform to eradicate the stigma associated with mental health.
“I want to be Miss South Africa because it would give me the platform to raise awareness of mental health issues amongst women and eradicate the stigma associated with mental health. Miss South Africa would also give me the platform to empower young women to believe in themselves and not be defined by circumstances. I believe every dream is attainable regardless of where you come from or how you look,” said Legodi.
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Mmotla on the other hand would like to use the platform to bring a positive change to Soweto. She was also crowned Miss Soweto 2017.
“I want to be crowned Miss SA because the title will allow me to grow personally by engaging in more charity work in different communities in South Africa. Miss SA opens more doors to different resources and this will help my charity work because that was one of my most favourite things to do during my reign as Miss Soweto and after. I also want to be Miss SA because I would like to provide positive representation for the people of my community. When I won Miss Soweto in 2017, the young women in my community were overwhelmed with pride for me and the community itself as I was the first Miss Soweto from Emdeni,” Mmotla said.
As global nations are battling with the COVID-19 pandemic, we are each learning something from this pandemic, asked how they handled the lockdown, the lessons they have learned and if they saw any positives in what has happened in the past months and weeks, this is what the contenders say.
“I have been pampering myself, studying and constantly learning new things about myself. How important freedom is and how important it is to practice good hygiene. The positive thing is that the majority of South Africans have chosen to abide by the law and, as a result, our country is not devastated by the pandemic as it could otherwise have been,” said Legodi.
“It has given me time to perfect my personal passions and my work skills that could advance my career. I have put more effort in my wellness techniques and I have taken up listening to interesting teaching podcasts and videos to help me improve my techniques so I can become a better teacher. What I have learned during these times is that there are better and more effective ways to manage your time and achieve different tasks in an appropriate fashion. Good time management has helped me find more opportunities to do important things such as bonding with my family,” Mmotla said.
“Some of the positives that I have noticed include how people have taken their health and hygiene seriously. The pandemic has forced many people to confront their usual practices and to re-evaluate them. Another positive I have seen is how humans are always willing to lend a helping hand especially to the underprivileged. Many people are stranded and hungry and celebrities and community leaders have stepped up by either sending donations to those that need or by providing shelter to those homeless and it has been heart-warming to see that side of humanity,” she added.
Legodi’s female role models are Simphiwe Dube and the mama Winnie Madikizela Mandela.
“My first role model is Simphiwe Dube because regardless of what she goes through she always manages to show up. She also encourages young women to persevere and pushes them out of their comfort zone. My second role model is Mam Winnie Madikizela Mandela because she was a fearless, strong and fierce woman who was not afraid to openly stand up for what she believed in,” she said.
Mmotla is inspired by American renowned singer, Beyoncé.
“Firstly, Beyoncé – a hard working woman whose efforts have translated into awards and record-breaking projects. Also, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma who has used the opportunities given to her to go to the next level of her career. She has risen above so much criticism and used her role in government to ensure that we are safe and sound. Her work in the 90s as Minister of Health is unforgettable – she was the power behind powerful campaigns such as the prioritising of pregnant women and the ban on smoking in public places and cigarette advertising,” she said.
A message to young girls and young women in South Africa from both contenders.
“It does not matter where you come from, what you look like or what people say. Your dreams are attainable.” Karabo Legodi.
“Be proud and own your individual stories. Owning your story is important especially in this day and age when people want to control female narrative because it helps you seek inner power and urges you to be the best version of yourself. I was in a physically abusive relationship for a long time but I found the strength to get out by owning my power and telling myself I deserved better. Owning your story also gives you the right to tell the story how you want to tell it. So be proud and more will be inspired by you and your experiences.” Busisiwe Mmotla.
For the next few weeks, they will be out to impress this year’s semi-finalist judges who are broadcaster Anele Mdoda and former Miss South Africa title holders Bokang Montjane-Tshabalala (2010), Liesl Laurie (2015) and Adè van Heerden (2017). The top 16 will be announced at a date still to be announced. Miss South Africa is presented by Weil Entertainment in association with M-Net, Mzansi Magic, Sun International and Brand South Africa.
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